2013-07-22 Joint Council-Parks Comm minutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the City Council /Parks and Recreation Commission
Joint Meeting
Held Tuesday, July 22, 2013
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a joint meeting of the City Council and Parks and Recreation
Commission, City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota was held at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve,
Mendota Heights, Minnesota.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Krebsbach called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The following members were present:
Councilmembers Duggan, Norton, Petschel, and Povolny; Parks and Recreation Commissioners Levine,
Paper, Hinderscheid, McGrory- Usset, Toth, Miller, and Kipp. Also in attendance: City Administrator
Miller and Recreation Coordinator Sloan Wallgren
COMMON GOALS TO CONSIDER FOR MENDOTA HEIGHTS' PARKS
After those in attendance introduced themselves and discussed their backgrounds, the commissioners and
council discussed areas that the two bodies could work towards as common goals for the parks system.
Many suggestions were raised, with comments focusing on the following areas:
• Dedicated funding source for future improvements needs to be identified since park dedication fees
are no longer a consistent funding stream
• Focus on maintaining current amenities needs to be a priority
• A park inventory /five -year capital plan should be developed so the commission and council can
identify and prioritize upcoming needs in the park system
• Efforts need to be made to promote and encourage usage of our current park amenities
• Awareness that groups outside of the city (school district, athletic associations, etc.) also add to the
park and recreation offerings within the city.
CURRENT PARKS AND RECREATION DISCUSSION ITEMS
Items being currently discussed by the commission were shared with the council so the commission could
receive feedback on their initiatives.
A) Dog Park — the commission indicated that they would like to explore the idea of a having a dog
park for a trial period at one of the hockey rinks. The council expressed interest in learning more
about the proposal and encouraged the commission to bring a recommendation forward.
B) Splash Pad — the commission had conducted some preliminary research into types of splash pads
and potential uses. The council directed the commission to continue to explore the available
options and to bring ideas to the council for further discussion.
C) Rogers Lake Swimming Beach — the idea of re- opening a swimming beach at Rogers Lake was
discussed. The council asked the commission and staff to continue to look at this idea with analysis
to include costs and liability exposure.
D) Warming Houses — the current three warming houses are in need of repair, and if expanded,
compliance with ADA regulations would be required. The commission and council agreed that a
multi -year plan for replacement, with possible expansion, should be considered.
MOMENT OF SILENCE
Mayor Krebsbach noted that Amelia Olson, former Mendota Heights Athletic Association Executive
Director, passed away over the weekend. In remembrance, a moment of silence was held.
E VIUSIV '
Mayor K rebsbach adjourned the meeting at 7:50 p.m.
ATTEST- ands Kiebsbach, Mayor
Lorri Smith, City Clerk
July 22, 2013 City Council /Park Rec Commission Joint Alleeting Minutes Page 2